The Solution we offer is Black Rhino. A way for everyday users to democratically support endangered species and climate conservation efforts in Africa using NFTs. Our goal is to use NFTs to provide opportunities in emerging markets for non-profit organizations in Africa, as well as prove users a more rewarding and engaging experience for supporting conservation efforts.
For our first project we are currently working in collaboration with our partner organizations on NFT collections which will provide users with real-world utilities and provide organizations an opportunity to increase funding for crucial operations. We have currently partnered with three endangered species and climate conservation organizations to explore opportunities in blockchain including NFT related projects. These NFTs will act as membership passes for Black Rhino 'Early Adopters' and will represent a users contribution to a specific real world cause. Each token will also enable users to access certain exclusive opportunities and information from conservation organizations. Users who purchase will also gain early access to Black Rhino DeFi protocols, exclusive communication channels, future Black Rhino projects and real world experiences at zoos and sanctuaries around the world. The proceeds from each collection will go directly to our non-profit partner organizations.
The NFTs will represent endangered species that are presently vulnerable or threatened according to the IUCN. Each token will represent a users commitment to support a specific organization. The tokens will be certified as carbon-neutral through our partners Nori, Aerial, and more TBA.
This first project is in parallel with developing our first protocol, a Staking Pool Raffle. Users will be able to enter the pool to win part of the stake weekly, with a percentage of the proceeds and fees from each weekly pool going directly to support our non-profit partner organizations. We have a proposal for this here: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/403967
For Government Wildlife Agencies and organizations such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy or Loisaba Conservancy in Africa, important issues like habitat loss, habitat protection, wildlife protection and community relationships are dealt with on a daily basis. Finding ways to consistently fund operations to deal with these challenges in efficient ways are a constant challenge.
Utilizing NFTs as utility tools with real world value as a way to raise awareness and support for conservation causes has yet to be fully explored. As of today there are only limited ways for organizations to generate revenue or receive contributions using opportunities blockchain technology. This solution will enable non-profit organizations in Africa to utilize NFTs for good.
This solution will provide new opportunities for non-profit organizations, sanctuaries, parks, zoos, and local communities in Africa to generate alternative streams of revenue, as well as support. Using the Cardano blockchain we aim to build multiple solutions to enable users to contribute to non-profit conservation organizations, as well as provide access for organizations. Working with local communities and organizations, like WADA, we aim to introduce opportunities in blockchain in order to improve infrastructure, as well as provide alternative streams of revenue to fund operations.
The main challenge our project faces is sustainability and overcoming the perception of the blockchain industry amongst the conservation community. Maintaining an eco-friendly and carbon-neutral experience on our platform, and with our NFT related projects, is crucial. The blockchain industry is heavily criticized for its impact on the environment and we are aiming to change this narrative. We will overcome this challenge by building and operating on Cardano, which aligns with our sustainability goals. We will also work with carbon removal and climate conservation organizations such as Pleistocene Park, Cardano4Climate, and Moss, every step of the way which will allow us to measure our carbon output, and ensure our platform, as well as NFT related projects, will be carbon-negative.